VOX SFX

The world puts no small amount of pressure on marriages.  We have jobs and careers, kids and social lives, housework and more.  Even the most dedicated of couples still have to balance the closeness they share with the demands of modern life.  It is easy to grow apart and just settle into a steady routine.  It doesn't have to be this way.  We can remember the sacramental vocation that our marriages are and learn to share our inner lives, to the benefit of all involved.  In this way we create more meaningful and fulfilling relationships, giving glory to God for the gifts he gives us in matrimony.  Ken and Janine Kessler join Nicholas to talk about Worldwide Marriage Encounter, its mission, and the ways in which we can learn to serve God by serving one another.

So many young people fall into the trap set for them by social media.  It is easy to get swept along with each new fad and, with all of the content creators vying for our clicks, become confused in all the noise.  In the world of Gen Z, truth is often mixed in with falsehoods, and it can be difficult to keep true to oneself.  But it's not impossible.To show us the way in staying true to oneself and one's faith, we have Molly Patko.  We at SFX have been blessed to have her with us this summer.  As a student of Religious Studies at Gonzaga University, Molly has delved deeply into the history of Catholicism, seeing it through the lens of one of the faithful and as an academic.  She joins Nicholas for this episode as we explore the life of a faith filled student and how we might follow her example in seeking truth in a world of illusion.

Who is the Holy Spirit, and what does the Holy Spirit mean for our lives as Catholics? In this episode, Nicholas and Fr. Pat Conroy, SJ explore the role of the Holy Spirit in Christian life and how God’s presence transforms us through faith, prayer, and the sacraments and leads us to a deeper spiritual life.Together, we discover how the Holy Spirit guides the Church, strengthens us in our daily lives, and gives us spiritual gifts. As we learn about the Pentecost, the gifts of the Holy Spirit, the spiritual growth we can experience, and the history of our journey in following the Spirit, we can find new ways to live with greater faith, hope, and love and experience spiritual renewal as disciples of Jesus Christ.

Can Catholics use artificial intelligence responsibly? What does the Church teach about AI, human creativity, and moral responsibility?This week, Nicholas talks to John Neuman about today’s most pressing questions about artificial intelligence from a Catholic perspective: the ethical use of AI, the importance of protecting human dignity, and how faith can guide us through one of the most significant technological revolutions of our time. Join us as we explore how the Church’s timeless teachings can illuminate today’s questions about technology, innovation, and faithful discipleship, and how to live faithfully in an increasingly digital world. Together, we’ll explore how Christian ethics can help us discern new promises and challenges while keeping Christ at the center of our worldly and spiritual lives.

As Catholics, our funerals serve two different but equally important functions.  The first is to offer a chance for a community to share in their grief and support one another.  It is a sad time and we often find ourselves in need of comfort.The second is that we get to celebrate the victory of Christ.  Through His death and resurrection we are saved and risen in Him.  It is this victory we see in our loved one.  It is a time to remember that we will see one another again, by the grace of God.Fr Hightower joins Nicholas as we explore the communal and spiritual elements of funerals, looking ever to see the light of salvation even in the midst of mourning.

Attending a camp is the highlight of many a child's summer break.  They offer a chance to get away from the chaos of daily life and the stresses of school.  Lifelong friendships, personal discoveries, and an appreciation for life are often found under the canopy of nurturing care.  In many ways, Legendary Lodge is much like other camps in these experiences.  But Legendary Lodge holds a special kind of encounter.  Nestled in a pine forest on the shores of Salmon Lake with the Rocky Mountains standing vigil in the background, this marvelous display of Montana's beauty inspires one to look with wonder upon God's creation.  This is a place immersed in Catholicism, where kids can come to foster their faith.  It is a place where one can strongly feel the peace of the Spirit.  Director of Faith Formation Shai Lafleur joins Nicholas on a trip to Legendary Lodge to speak with some of the counselors, volunteers, and chaplains that make this camp so exceptional.

Pope Leo XIV’s prayer intention for July of 2026 is for respect for human life. In a video describing his hope for Catholics’ spiritual growth worldwide, the Pope prays "Give us a new heart, always ready to choose life”.In this episode, Fr. Mark Hoelsken SJ joins Nicholas to reflect on the Pope’s Prayer Intention for July and how it can help us deepen our Catholic prayer and prayer life. The Church’s teaching on the dignity of every human person and the sacredness of human life calls us to build a true culture of life through faith, compassion, and action. We join the Pope in praying for respect and the defense of human life at every stage, recognizing every person as a beloved child of God. The Pope encourages us to reject “the culture of discard” and instead become a Church where “every life is celebrated” and “dignity is always honored and protected”. The Pope’s prayer reflections encourage our growth in Catholic spirituality, living the Gospel, and Christian discipleship. Together with the Pope’s Worldwide Prayer Network, we can all seek spiritual growth through daily prayer, faith formation, Gospel reflection, and prayer with the Holy Father, finding Catholic inspiration for living our Catholic faith within the Catholic Church.From the Vatican website:Founded in 1844 as the Apostleship of Prayer, the Pope’s Worldwide Prayer Network is a Pontifical Work entrusted to the Society of Jesus.In December 2020, Pope Francis established this Pontifical Work as a Vatican Foundation and approved its final statutes in July 2024.It is present in over 92 countries, forming a spiritual community of more than 22 million people who seek to live each day with availability to God’s mission.At the center of its mission are the monthly prayer intentions of the Pope, inviting its members to focus on the pressing challenges facing humanity and the Church’s mission.

God's first instruction to us in the Ten Commandments is "Thou shalt have no other gods before me".  Idols in the Bible may seem obvious to us, but modern idols are far more complex, and living a God-centered life is not just about professing Christian faith.  The world contains many distractions and temptations, and it can be difficult to know what matters in building a Catholic faith practice and how to avoid idolatry in modern life.   Materialism and faith can come into conflict in our lives, and our faith habits can be replaced by idols of the heart.  Fr Hightower joins Nicholas to talk about the Catholic understanding of worship and idolatry, the spiritual dangers of idolatrous behavior, and putting God first in everyday life.

The world often paints faith and reason as opposing forces.  Yet throughout Christian history, the Catholic Church has been at the forefront of scientific development and exploration, and the intellectual traditions of the Catholic faith have encouraged believers to pursue new ideas and greater depths of inquiry.This week, Nicholas speaks to Fr. Joseph Fortier SJ, who shares the insights he has gained into the world of the divine from his work as an entomologist and professor of biology.  His book, Confluence of Evolutionary Science and Christian Faith, touches on such topics as the evolutionary roots of life and the science behind the Book of Genesis, as well as the work of Pierre Teilhard de Chardin to bring together the threads of evolution and faith.Fr. Fortier traces the ways in which an understanding of the natural world deepens our relationship with God - not as opposing forces, but as two complementary facets of an entire worldview.  As we contemplate the supernatural gift of creation, we can gain a greater appreciation for God's work and the mysteries of life.

The papal prayer intention for June 2026 is for the value of sports.  In a video describing his hopes for the fruits this month's prayers will bear, Pope Leo XIV said that “In times of war and extreme polarization, sport is one of the few things that bring us closer together. (...) Let us pray this June that sport may be an instrument of peace, encounter, and dialogue among cultures and nations, and that it may promote values such as respect, solidarity, and personal growth.”Participation and investment in sports, just as the spiritual life, requires discipline and fortitude.  Sports provide an opportunity to honor and respect fellow competitors, as we ought to do in our regular lives with the people around us.  Fr Pat Conroy SJ joins Nicholas to talk about the dignity of competition, the personal growth that it can inspire, and how we can give glory to God in our pursuit of excellence.From the Vatican's official announcement of June's monthly prayer intention:Founded in 1844 as the Apostleship of Prayer, the Pope’s Worldwide Prayer Network is a Pontifical Work entrusted to the Society of Jesus.  In December 2020, Pope Francis established this Pontifical Work as a Vatican Foundation and approved its final statutes in July 2024.  It is present in over 92 countries, forming a spiritual community of more than 22 million people who seek to live each day with availability to God’s mission.  At the center of its mission are the monthly prayer intentions of the Pope, inviting its members to focus on the pressing challenges facing humanity and the Church’s mission. 

Within the Psalms, we find the full expression of the human experience.  Whether it be gladness and joy or despair and anger, anything one might feel we can find in the Psalms.  One of the main themes in this portion of scripture is that of lament.  When we find ourselves in times of lament, this isn't necessarily a bad thing.  As Catholics, we understand that God meets us in our suffering and can provide the healing and grace that we desperately need.  In Fr. Victor's book, "Lord, Hear My Cry", he addresses this universal sensation and shows us a path forward that can make our times of desolation fruitful.

Whether due to biology or personal experience, we can feel challenged by the way we process our own thoughts and how they inform our views on how we interact with the world around us.  We must constantly contend with societal and personal expectations and alarm about the future, and our understanding of God's love for us can become fragile.  In this latest installment of our conversations from the 2026 Diocese of Helena Eucharistic Congress, Nicholas talks to Catherine DiNuzzo LPC and Deacon Dave DiNuzzo about their charisms of mental health support awareness rooted in Catholic teaching.For more information on Catherine and Dave's work, visit sacredheartmentalwellness.com.

When we build a responsible, responsive world that follows Christ's teachings, how do we ensure that the people He most sought to lift up - the poor, the prisoner, the stranger - have a place and voice in society?  For those who fall through the cracks or find themselves in difficult situations, it can be hard to feel the presence of God or know where to turn.  We hear messages of charity and consolation at Mass, but how do we bring the light of the Eucharist into the chaos of daily life, especially when daily life is complex or bleak?Following our discussion with Fr. Mark Hoelsken about the foundations of Catholic social teaching, Nicholas sits down with Lisa Davey of Common Good Missoula, who shares the work done by Common Good Missoula and other advocacy groups, and explores the work yet to be done in order to create more equitable and compassionate communities.  

As Catholics we trust in our priests, bishops, cardinals, and Holy Father to act as our shepherds.  We look to them for guidance when faced with the questions of the world.  How do we live a life based in the Gospel?  In what ways can we, as the children of God, seek to sanctify our lives?  Many of those answers can be found in Holy Scripture, the words of the saints, and the dictums laid out in our Social Teachings.  Fr. Mark Hoelsken joins Nicholas to discuss some of the foundational ideas that make up this vital subject.

In these trying times, there is some confusion as to the role of the Pope in the world.  He is both the leader of the Roman Catholic faithful and the ambassador of Christ to the world.  He has the monumental task of teaching the Gospel to people's of all nations.  Although his words have drawn recent criticism in his country of origin, they are often filtered through the lens of individual bias.  In this episode, Fr Hightower sits down with Nicholas to discuss the history of the Papacy and its place in the modern world.

Whenever there is a significant change in the world, the Church responds.  It is one of the jobs of our leaders to guide us through uncharted waters.  Today we find ourselves in need of direction when it comes to artificial intelligence.  This tool has the potential to reshape every aspect of life at every level of society.  How do we proceed forward using this tool to better the world?  Joining us for this episode is Fr Ricky Manalo C.S.P., who has been on the cutting edge of this research, participating in the Vatican's effort to understand this world changing tool and its ethical applications.  Nicholas sits down with him to discuss how we, as Catholics, can approach artificial intelligence.

All of us are called to be active in our faith when it comes to dealing with the world.  This world we live it can often be hostile to our beliefs and we might find ourselves needing to explain our doctrine.  There are also those who might be curious about the Church and have a desire for a deeper understanding.  In order to better communicate the message of Christ, we must go beyond the surface, seeking to find those pearls that lead to inspiration.  Here we find the concept of apologetics, a philosophical method of grounding our faith in Truth so that we might evangelize more effectively.  Dr. Eric Hall of Carrol College joins Nicholas to discuss our call to engage in apologetics with the world at large, whatever comes our way.

When we have publicly dedicated ourselves to Christ, we become His ambassadors.  We are given a great opportunity to show the love and patience of Jesus as we go about our virtual lives.  However, there are dangers to this.  Social media can contain prejudice and hatred that we must deal with because of our faith.  Misinformation can lead us down false paths.  The constant bombardment of information can be overwhelming, and it can distract from what we strive for as Christians.  However, there are safeguards and guidelines for successful navigation of the treacherous waters of the web.  Sister Nancy Usselmann, of the Daughters of St. Paul, knows well how to keep our sanity and spirituality intact while still being positive representations of the Church.  Nicholas has the honor to sit down with Sister Nancy to discuss how to be Online Ambassadors.

Few things are as central to Catholic belief as the holy presence of Jesus in the Eucharist.  Every day, at Masses held all over the world, the faithful come to honor the imperative given to us by our Savior: to take His real self into our own beings, allowing it to effuse us and change us for the better.  Eucharistic Congresses serve as events of awakening, to enlighten the minds of Catholics concerning this miracle we can witness daily.  These Congresses are massive undertakings, with many people working behind the scenes to ensure that the experience is as meaningful as possible.  To that end, Nicholas sits down with some of those whose tireless efforts make the Eucharistic Congress of the Diocese of Helena a reality.  Alex Kautzky joins us once again, as well as youth volunteer Cameron Donahue and MC Fr. Marc Lenneman.  Nathan Amas, a focus missionary who is discerning the priesthood, also gives us a glimpse of the rich fruits offered to us when we are walking in the Eucharist.

Everyone who can be called a Catholic has been confirmed in the eyes of the Church.  This is a sacred and joyful ritual in which the community celebrates those who are completing their process.  For converts, this happens at the culmination of the OCIA program.  Learning how to be a practicing Catholic can seem a little daunting at first, but these worries quickly melt away in the warmth of support and the light of the Spirit.  Kim is one of those wonderful individuals joining us this Easter, guided by and guiding her husband, Jason, who has followed her through this process and rediscovered his faith along the way.  Theirs is an inspiring story about how two people can learn to appreciate each other in a different way while building upon what is given by the Spirit.  Jason and Kim join Nicholas to talk about how this walk with God has influenced their lives and their relationship for the better. 

Our Lord Jesus preached peace, harmony, and love for our neighbor and all mankind.  We are to actively work towards a world that embodies those values.  However, our current reality makes this message complicated.  While we are still called to love our neighbor and work toward peace, we cannot ignore the danger posed by pure pacifism on the nationstate level.  How do we balance the seemingly competing needs of defense and brotherly love?  Fr. Hightower joins Nicholas to approach this subject with a sober mind and respect toward the various perspectives concerning this pertinent topic.

Catholicism, while absolutely grounded in being a universal Church, has many beautiful variations throughout the world.  In the United States, few have captured the imagination and heart of the nation like Irish Catholicism.  Steeped in ancient lore and rich in history, the story of Irish Catholicism is as fascinating as it is tragic and triumphant.  On this Sunday before our Church celebrates St. Patrick’s Day, Nicholas sits down for an extremely educational conversation with historian Allen Noonan to talk about Irish Catholicism.

There have been many councils in the history of the Church that have shaped our faith.  From doctrine to rites, they have covered a breadth of topics.  However, few councils have matched the importance of the Council of Trent and Vatican II.  Both made sweeping changes that took decades to fully implement and made an impact that is still being considered today.  What happened at these councils?  Why were they so important and what meaningful changes did they make?  Fr Hightower joins Nicholas to examine the Tale of Two Councils.

Grief is something that can feel insurmountable.  In the time following a loss, it often seems as though we are barely keeping our heads above water.  It can be hard to see the light.  But the waters will ebb and the light will shine again.  We will never forget those we lose, but we can learn to handle their loss in healthy ways.  This is often more easily done with a group of people who have gone through or are going through the process themselves, creating a space where understanding and support can help us back onto our feet.  Katy McKinnon is back on the show to talk with Nicholas about grief, recovery, and the ministry she hopes to set up allowing people to see a great light once again.

Before we enter the penitential season of Lent, we gather to celebrate Mardi Gras.  We know it primarily for colorful parades, extravagant celebrations, and delicious pastries.  But did you know that there is also a spiritual significance to this event?  Fr Conroy joins Nicholas as we find out the history and substance of Mardi Gras.

It can be difficult to remain faithful to God in the modern world.  So many things seek to drive a wedge between us and devotion.  Social media traps us in algorithms and politics encourage us to make an idol out of ideology.  We are constantly bombarded by conflicting messages from music, television, and our cellphones.  Remaining true to the Word in this reality is difficult for adults, but more so for the young.  Not only do they have those same issues to contend with, but they are also inundated with homework and tests, often enduring the judgement of their secular peers for practicing their religion.  But groups like the "Girl Gang" of SFX give us hope for the future as these high schoolers gather each week to support one another in a nurturing community, growing their connections to God and becoming sure in their expression of their faith.  Courtney, Cynthia, and four inspiring students join Nicholas to talk about life, faith, and (of course) snacks.

The suffering of children is difficult to witness, particularly the children in our families.  It can leave us with questions about our relationship with God, or with a feeling of powerlessness, but can reveal opportunities for deep compassion and meaningful care and respect for those who need it most.  This month, Pope Leo has asked us to pray for children with incurable diseases.  Fr. Hightower joins Nicholas to explore ways to navigate through the painful reality of childhood disease to find strength and hope in God and the world around us.From the Pope's Worldwide Prayer Network:Each year, the Holy Father asks for our prayers for a specific intention each month. You are invited to answer the Holy Father's request and to join with many people worldwide in praying for this intention each month. For children with incurable diseasesLet us pray that children suffering from incurable diseases and their families receive the necessary medical care and support, never losing strength and hope.

Prayer is essential to aligning us to the path of Christ and connecting us to God and each other.  We can use rote prayers to find alignment at any moment, or engage in contemplative prayer for a deeper understanding of scripture and the treasures it holds for us.  The Bible itself holds many prayers within its pages, including the Lord's Prayer and the Psalms.  Regardless of the type of prayer that speaks to us at a particular time, it can always help us to hear God's call more clearly.  Fr Mark Hoelsken SJ joins Nicholas to explore the wealth of prayer.

Each night, we have the opportunity to enter into a world unbounded by the rules to which we are by day accustomed.  This world is a tapestry of our deepest hopes and fears and everything we notice and wonder, a mysterious realm of inexplicable phenomena and unexpected memories, completely individual yet transcendent.  The dreams that take place in this world have been the wellspring of spiritual inspiration and guidance in Scripture, throughout history, and in our lives, given to us by God to help us cultivate our inner landscape and open ourselves to His presence.  Join Nicholas and Lydia as they explore the hidden universe of dreams.

Few practices have captured the imagination of people seeking greater understanding of themselves and of God than the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius of Loyola.  When our own image of ourselves gets between us and God, and we become preoccupied with our own ideas about who we're supposed to be, rather than who God made us to be, the Spiritual Exercises can help us to develop a better picture of ourselves as God's beloved, unique creation.  St. Ignatius gives us a framework for opening ourselves to the way the Holy Spirit guides each of us every day and in all that we do.  Building on our previous discussions of the Spiritual Exercises, the Jesuit charism, and Ignatian spirituality, in this episode we look at the life and journey of the man who, through the Holy Spirit, brought them into reality.  Fr. Mark Hoelsken, SJ joins Nicholas to delve into the life of St. Ignatius to see what we can learn from his spiritual journey.

In our final episode of this Advent series we tie in the themes of this season under one word.  That word is love.  Ours is a God of love, seeking to reconcile the world under His sheltering wings.  At the core of our faith, and even the most complex theological questions, the most important concepts are to love our God with all our heart, all our soul, and all our strength, and to love our neighbor as ourselves.  This abundant outpouring of love is not just a gift but also a mission, to help spread that grace as much as we can.  Nicholas' mother, the person who first gave him a glimpse of what divine love might be, joins us for this episode to examine a life lived with love at the forefront.

Joyful are those who wait on the Lord.  In this time of joyful anticipation  as we look up at the skies of Bethlehem, our God has given us the grace to endure the darkness of winter with His warm light within.  It is not enough, however, to keep this light to ourselves.  Instead, we are given the mission to let it shine even in the darkest places, allowing it to lift others as well.  Deb Johnson joins Nicholas to talk about gratitude, service, and this important gift of joy.

Peace can be an elusive thing.  The world can fill us with worry and our minds can get stuck in patterns that do not serve us.  So many things can pull us from the feeling of peace.  In these times of turmoil it is good to ask ourselves "What can I lay before God today?".  God wants to lead us to a place of consolation and love.  He wants to change us at the core for the better.  Do we let him move our heart?  How can we best be ambassadors of peace to a broken world?  During this Advent season, it is good to consider these things as we await the peace that Christ brings to us.  Mary Ann joins us to talk about this beautiful concept of peace

We begin our Advent series with a topic that is very much needed in this world.  It can be difficult to find hope in our lives sometimes.  There are so many things that can weigh us down, so many things that can sink us into despair.  But our hope is in Christ and His promise of a better kingdom.  From this hope, we can begin to see the world anew.  Katy is back on the show to share with us what hope means to her and how we can better cultivate it in our minds, especially during this special season of Advent.

This next week we gather together for the holiday of Thanksgiving here in America.  It is often a festive time with good food and good company.  However, Thanksgiving doesn't just happen once a year.  It happens every weekend when we gather for the Lord's Supper and give thanks to God for the saving life of His Son.  At our best, it is a daily practice that enriches our life.  Frs. Mark, Hightower, and Conroy join us this episode to talk about the spirit of thanksgiving, both as a holiday and a general state of being.

When Jesus tells us in the Gospel to bring the little ones to him and to not hinder them, it isn't just a passive missive.  We are called to an active mission because the kingdom belongs to them.  The question then becomes, how do we lead our children to the faith in a way that they can access?  The CGS program gives a great opportunity for this access, not just for the children but for the adults who have been throughly trained to assist.  In this episode, we sit down with Mary Larson and Sister Mary Rose to talk about the training that goes in to being a catechist and the fruits it can yield for those who undertake it.

When the Lord calls us, it isn't always a thundering voice from the mountains.  Often it is a gentle feeling from the Holy Spirit, quietly leading us if we have the ears to hear.  This is often true when it comes to pursuing a deeper commitment to Holy Mother Church.  Deacons occupy a special position in our communities, having many of the duties as a priest but still having the ability to have a spouse and families.  In this episode, Nicholas sits down with John and Missy Neuman, currently in the deaconate program, to discuss the duties of a deacon and the process of becoming one.

What does it mean to be a part of the body of Christ?  It means that we are charged with bringing the light and message of Christ into the world.  It means serving one another in mind, body, and spirit.  We all have a role to play, and no role is greater than another.  All are necessary, all are welcome, all are called.  Shai joins Nicholas to show us how we can listen to the call to service and have the heart to say "Here I Am, Lord".

Austin Peppenger is not Catholic.  In fact, when he was young, he was taught to fear and hate Catholics, among others.  As he has gone through life he has challenged many of the misconceptions he was raised with.  One of those was a complete 180* on Holy Mother Church.  After interactions with the faithful, attending Mass, and listening to the wisdom offered by the guests of VOXSFX, his perspective has gone from viewing us as a reviled enemy to a people of genuine comfort, love, and understanding.  Join Nicholas as we view the Church through the eyes of one who has been opened up to the love of God and a new attitude towards the Catholic faith.

The children's program called Catechesis of the Good Shepard, or CGS for short, is an amazing opportunity for kids to develop a deeper understanding of their faith.  Using age-appropriate environments and materials to foster involvement in liturgy, history, and theology, children in CGS get to participate actively and learn at their own pace.  The CGS program at St Francis Xavier is the most advanced in the Diocese of Helena, hosting trainings and providing a space to minister in this incredibly meaningful way.  Shai and Michelle join Nicholas to explore the history and techniques that make this program so effective.

In light of the Holy Father's recent comments, which have caused quite the stir here in the USA, we thought it might be appropriate to expand on the Church's teachings on immigration.  This is a tough topic, as there is much political rhetoric back and forth on this complicated issue.  However, this is not a political show.  VOXSFX isn't trying to tell you what to think or how to vote.  We only ask that you listen with an open mind and then form your own opinions and conscience.  Fr Conroy joins Nicholas to address this complex topic of immigration from a Catholic perspective.

Whether in the majesty of nature or the wonder of human industry, God's great work is visible all around us.  Rev. Roger De La Rosa SJ shares how his background in chemistry, Jesuit training, and love of photography inspire him to explore new ways of appreciating and cultivating care for our world.  Using tools like the Examen, Fr. De La Rosa teaches us to find the beauty in the little things.

Luciano Lamonarca, also known as the Good Will Tenor, is known internationally for his incredible voice.  His passion, other than music, is the promotion and mission of the Padre Pio Foundation.  Rooted in the humility and service of this saint, this Foundation is a force for good works for the most needy in this world.  Who is this man who uses his voice for the benefit of countless faithful in cities across the world?  Listen to the man himself as Nicholas sits down for a privileged interview with this remarkable philanthropist to discuss his life and the significance of the Padre Pio Foundation.

Spiritual warfare is a widely discussed topic in this day and age.  It is easy to see the appeal, a sense of control in a world sorely lacking a center and that is a mire of chaos.  This episode is about something a little different.  In this episode, Nicholas explores how the world around us can harm our spiritual wellbeing, while focusing on the power and love of God.

We have a new priest at St Francis Xavier!  Father Mark Hoelsken, who spent thirty years working up in Alaska, has an infectious laugh and a deep well of knowledge to draw from.  In addition to exploring the path that led him here to Missoula, we also delve into the history of the Church when it comes to our interaction and ministry to the indigenous tribes of America.  Join us as we get to know our newest addition to the SFX family.

The editing for this week's normal episode has been delayed by hazardous air conditions.  But never fear!  Nicholas comes to you from his home studio to talk a little about the shows we have coming up as well as our plan for Advent this year.  Tune in to listen to Nicholas and Cassius the Cat as we explore some of the exciting content we have in store for you!

On September 7th, 2025, we will be canonizing the first two saints under the papacy of Pope Leo XIV:  Carlo Acutis, known as the first millennial saint, and Pier Giorgio Frassati.  Who were these two young men?  What were their contributions to the Church and the people of God?  Lydia Schmidt, our associate producer, joins us to look at the lives of these two holy men.

2025 marks the 1700th anniversary of the Council of Nicea, the first of what came to be known as ecumenical councils.  Nicea, and the many subsequent councils held by the titans of the church, has helped to codify our beliefs and teachings and promote greater understanding of the precepts of our faith.  The Catholic Church we know today was built on the foundations of the unity these councils established.  Fr Cochran joins Nicholas to explore the teachings of the various ecumenical councils and the impact they had on today's Church.

Padre Pio is coming to St. Francis Xavier in Missoula, Montana!  On August 25th and 26th, people will have the wonderful opportunity to venerate this marvelous saint of healing.  This is known as a devotion, which is a practice of faith which may involve prayer or other activities but is not part of official liturgy and doctrine.  It is meant to deepen our love and reverence for God and those who have done his work in the world.  Fr Conroy joins Nicholas to discuss this tradition of devotions and the life and works of Padre Pio.For more information on veneration and Mass times, feel free to visit sfxmissoula.org

The word 'miracle' is often used to describe a variety of positive occurrences: a good day, a gorgeous sunrise, or the birth of a child.  These may be wonderful things, but a miracle as defined by the Catholic Church is a highly specific concept.  There is a process for determining whether or not a phenomenon qualifies, involving exhaustive testing and evaluation by the Vatican, scientists, and other experts.  At its core, a miracle is a way by which God is seen to interact directly with the world.  Fr Hightower joins us to examine how the Church views the Science of Miracles.